Method and material for the restraint of polar organic liquids

Abstract

Safety packages are prepared for transportation of methanol wherein ethyl cellulose having from about 45 to 46.5 weight percent substitution is employed as a sorbent.

We claim: 
     
       1. A device for restraining polar organic liquids comprising a means defining a first space containing a polar organic liquid, a second space from which polar organic liquid is to be excluded, and having at least one body of substituted cellulose disposed between the first and second spaces with the further limitation that in the event the polar organic liquid contacts the substituted cellulose, a liquid immobilizing gel is formed which thereby prevents the polar organic liquid from entering the second space. 
     
     
       2. The device of claim 1 wherein the means defining a first space contains methanol in a glass bottle. 
     
     
       3. The device of claim 2 wherein the body of cellulose is ethyl cellulose contained between opposed foraminous sheets. 
     
     
       4. The means of claim 3 wherein the bottle is surrounded by an oil imbibing body. 
     
     
       5. The means of claim 1 comprising a body of ethyl cellulose restrained between at least two foraminous restraining means and disposed within a conduit. 
     
     
       6. A method of immobilizing a polar organic liquid, the method comprising providing a first space containing a polar organic liquid and a second space from which the polar organic liquid is to be excluded, disposing at least one body comprising a substituted cellulose between the first and second spaces with the further limitation that in the event polar organic liquid contacts the substituted cellulose, a liquid immobilizing gel is formed, which thereby prevents the polar organic liquid from entering the second space. 
     
     
       7. The method of claim 6 wherein the first space is defined by a glass bottle and the organic liquid is methanol. 
     
     
       8. The method of claim 7 wherein the bottle is surrounded by the substituted cellulose in an amount sufficient to absorb the methanol contained therein. 
     
     
       9. The method of claim 8 wherein the substituted cellulose is contained between flexible foraminous sheets. 
     
     
       10. The method of claim 9 including surrounding the bottle with an oil imbibing body. 
     
     
       11. The method of claim 6 wherein the body of substituted cellulose is restrained between opposed foraminous retainers and disposed within a conduit. 
     
     
       12. The method of claim 6 wherein the substituted cellulose is ethyl cellulose.